Up until just a few years ago the sole option regarding underwater lights was how bright do i want my lights and how many do I need. If you’re currently planning to build a new pool consider the many different lights which are available.

Today’s lighting include easy white lights ( both standard incandescent and quartz halogen ) white lights with plastic color lens, color changing lights ( revolving color wheel inside unit ) LED automatic color changing lights and fiberoptic jacuzzi and pool lights. Which style or sort of light would be the best one to use?

Standard incandescent and quartz halogen lights are usually the most inexpensive and will produce a clear white light. This sort and style of lights are available in wattages starting from 100W to 500W. Many building departments require twelve volt lights and a transformer as per code, if this is the case 100W and 300W lights are available in twelve Volt. High Watt lights like 400W and 500W are available only in 120 volt and would possibly not be authorized by code. Check with your local codes and building officers for the lighting needs which will be accepted. These lights usually have available, plastic color lens which snap on over the glass lens to provide a nice underwater effect.

Fiberoptic lights are also available to illuminate your pool or spa. These units have a little wall fitting ( typically about 2″ round ), which have the fiberoptic cable attached. Most pools will need multiple fiberoptic lights for adequate lighting. The fiberoptic cable is run back to a light generating box which is placed away from the pool or spa. The light in the box sends a beam of light thru the fiberoptic to the end of the strands found inside the pool or spa. One fiberoptic light box will typically operate many wall fittings, but, this will depend upon the total amount of fiberoptic strands the box will operate.

Color changing lights are perhaps the most enthralling item to become available for swimming pools and spas in the last few years. Lights are available which have a color wheel built into the light which is controlled by a little circuit board. Many more recent style color changing lights are now available in LED. LED lights have no moving parts and offer many alternative light shows for your use. Generally these lights are under the control of turning on and off the lights to locate the light pattern or “show” which you want to have.

Check out your options and select the best light package for your new pool. Lighting is one feature which will in numerous cases turn a standard pool into an impressive yard oasis.